The holy and great martyr Demetrius was born in Salonica of devout parents, and was a much-longed-for only child. Because of this he received an excellent education. Like his father, Demetrius became a soldier in the Roman army. The emperor Maximian appointed him to persecute Christians in Salonica, but Demetrius confessed his faith and preached […]
Tag Archives: catholic
Oct. 25 The Holy Martyrs and Notaries Marcian and Martyrius
The martyrs Marcian and Martyrius, Notaries of Constantinople, served in a Constantinople cathedral. Marcian was a reader and Martyrius a subdeacon. They both performed in the capacity of notaries, i.e. secretaries, for Patriarch Paul the Confessor. Arian heretics expelled and secretly executed the righteous Patriarch Paul. His throne was given to the heretic Macedonius. The […]
Oct. 24 The Holy Martyr Arethas and his Companions
The holy martyr Arethas was governor of the city of Nagran in Arabia. He and his 340 companions, in 523 during the time of the emperor Justinian, gave their lives for Christ under Dhu Nuwas or Dun’an, king of the Himayarites. Troparion Opposing the unbelieving king, after the example of Christ, this holy martyr […]
Oct. 23 The Holy Apostle James, the Brother of the Lord in the flesh
The holy apostle James, the brother of God, called the Just One, was the first to rule the Church in Jerusalem as bishop. Paul testifies that he was among the witnesses of the Resurrection (cf 1 Cor. 15:7). St. James presided over the Council of Jerusalem and his word was decisive (Acts 15). In his […]
Oct. 21 Our Venerable Father Hilarion the Great
Our venerable father Hilarion the Great followed in the footsteps of St. Anthony , first leading a solitary life near Gaza. Then in this province of Cyprus, he was an outstanding founder and example of eremitical life. He fell asleep in the Lord in the year 372. Troparion Your abundant tears made the wilderness […]
Oct. 20 The Holy Great Martyr Artemius
The holy great martyr Artemius was Egyptian by birth. He was the commander-in-chief of the army of the emperor St. Constantine the Great. When the cross of the Lord appeared in the sky to the emperor, Artemius also saw it and came to faith. He was eventually appointed governor in Egypt. During the reign of […]
Oct. 19 The Holy Prophet Joel; The Holy Martyr Varus
The holy prophet Joel announced the great day of the Lord and the mysterious pouring out of the Spirit on all flesh, which the divine majesty in Christ deemed fit to fulfill marvelously on the day of Pentecost. The holy martyr Varus was a soldier, who, under Maximianus the emperor, visited and refreshed six holy […]
Oct. 18 The Holy Apostle and Evangelist Luke
The holy apostle and evangelist Luke, as it is told, was born of a pagan family in Antioch and was a doctor by profession. He was converted to the faith, was one of the 70 apostles, and became a most-beloved companion of the blessed Apostle Paul. A scribe with the gentleness of Christ, he diligently […]
Oct. 17 The Holy Prophet Hosea; The Holy Venerable Martyr Andrew of Crete
The holy prophet Hosea, who not only by his words but also by his manner of life showed the unfaithful people of Israel that the Lord was an ever-faithful Spouse, moved by limitless mercy. The holy venerable martyr Andrew of Crete was a priest who defended the cult of the holy icons with great vigor […]
Oct. 16 The Holy Martyr Longinus the Centurion
The holy martyr Longinus the Centurion, a Roman soldier, served in Judea under the command of the governor, Pontius Pilate. When our Savior Jesus Christ was crucified, it was the detachment of soldiers under the command of Longinus which stood watch on Golgotha, at the very foot of the holy Cross. Longinus and his soldiers […]